Operators in the Inland Water Transportation industry transport commodities, consumer goods and passengers along the nation's inland waterways. Over the five years to 2018, the industry has experienced significant volatility as stagnant overall freight volume, multiple natural disasters and commodity price changes have stifled industry growth. At the same time, an early boom in US oil and natural gas production, combined with climbing refined petroleum product output, caused demand for liquid bulk transportation to surge during the first half of the five-year period. Moving forward, industry revenue growth will be driven by a combination of US economic expansion, rising exports and increased demand from downstream oil-related industries. At the same time, rising fuel prices will enable industry operators to earn revenue through fuel surcharges. However, industry freight rates will continue to be limited by a chronic excess of maritime cargo carrying capacity, while the poor state of US inland waterway infrastructure will continue to reduce demand for industry services.

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing waterborne transportation of cargo and passengers along the nation’s lakes, rivers and other inland waterways.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.